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Thorworld emphasises need for training in Loading equipment

Thorworld Industries is urging companies not to skimp on the provision of training to their loading operatives, citing not only the Health & Safety risks of non-compliance but the practical benefits that can be achieved from enhanced efficiency.

According to Mark James, Health & Safety Manager at Thorworld Industries, the company has seen a year-on-year drop in customers taking up its training option, which is designed specifically to help operatives in the loading area to optimise the safe usage of mobile yardramps and associated loading & unloading aids.

Thorworld points out that it is a legal requirement of the Health & Safety At Work Act to provide, amongst other things, information, instruction, supervision and training to ensure employees are adequately safe in the workplace, therefore there are substantial benefits to seeking training direct from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

“While yardramps are not subject to a formal legal requirement such as a fork lift certificate, our course helps employers to meet the requirements of H&S legislation as well as improving on-site safety and productivity,” Mark explains.

“It’s a matter of balancing the fastest way of loading or unloading with a yardramp, against doing it the safest way – clearly, the best way is one that is at once fast and safe, and our course helps operatives to understand how to achieve this.”

The Thorworld Mobile Yardramp Training programme can be conducted at the customer’s premises for up to 10 employees at any one time. The fixed-price course explains the major parts and functions of the specific ramp being used by the customer; from that foundation, it then covers in detail the safe working procedures in the operation of the ramp and highlights potential dangers if used incorrectly.

Areas covered during the comprehensive training course include: raising and lowering; connecting to a trailer; as well as all appropriate pre- and post-use checks.

“Good yardramp practice is easy to master with clear guidance, helping to prevent avoidable accidents and thereby to ensure a smooth, efficient and above all safe process for all yardramp operatives,” Mark confirms.
The course comprises a sit-down classroom theory and a practical session, with successful training then tested by a short examination. Every course is run by an experienced Thorworld engineer, each of whom have themselves successfully completed an independent Train-The-Trainer course.

Thorworld is SAFEcontractor approved, giving a guaranteed level of safety while on-site. Under the independent SAFEcontractor scheme, businesses undergo a vetting process which examines their health and safety procedures and track record for safe practice, with only those companies that meet the very highest standards are accepted into the scheme.

The Mobile Yardramp Training programme is available regardless of whether the customer has purchased a Thorworld yardramp or hired one via the company’s popular RentARamp® division.

“We see no distinction between our long-term customers or those who only need a yardramp for a temporary project,” explains Mark. “Safety is paramount under any circumstances, so our Mobile Training Yardramp Programme is open to all users for that essential peace of mind when it comes to Health & Safety.”